New Bay Area scam targeting chat room users with threats of Criminal Prosecution for Child Pornography (CA Penal Code 311)

Rabin Nabizadeh
March 30, 2017

Since January 2017, Summit Defense Criminal Attorneys has received numerous calls from terrified individuals who describe essentially an identical fact pattern:

After a brief encounter with an another individual in a chat room and an unsolicited sexual photograph, they receive a call from an irate father who claims either an accident or medical treatment for their minor child.  The calls is accompanied with demand for funds and a threat to contact the authorities for sexual contact with a minor or possession of child pornography (CA Penal Code 311).

Naturally, this produces extreme anxiety and several callers have informed us that they have indeed made large payments, only to get additional calls and additional demands for compensation.  This scam relies on two things:

  1. Inability of victim to contact the police for fear of criminal prosecution.
  2. Anxiety produced as the victim is often unable to sort out actual criminal liability.

THIS IS A SCAM.  While the details of the scam may vary slightly, it essentially follows the fact pattern above.  If you find yourself in this situation, Summit Defense Criminal Attorneys can help you ascertain actual potential for criminal liability free of charge.  Under no circumstances, should you concede to demand for payment.

latest news

February 21, 2023
Different Types of Domestic Violence in California

In California, there are different types of domestic violence. Unfortunately, domestic violence is far more common than many people realize, and it is critical to understand the different categories into which domestic violence might fall. For example, some people might be involved in physical abuse, while others may be in emotional or sexual abuse. Intimate […]

February 21, 2023
California Domestic Violence Classes

You probably realize your life has significantly changed if you have been charged and convicted of domestic violence. You may be facing punishment from the court system, but you might be able to mitigate that punishment if you are willing to take domestic violence classes. The reality is that the justice system focuses just as […]

January 27, 2023
How to Successfully Recant a Domestic Violence Statement

Domestic violence is a problematic situation. Numerous cases of domestic violence take place within a family unit. As a result, the legal process can be messy. In some situations, someone may accuse a family member of domestic violence, only to try to recant their statement later. What does this mean? How is a domestic violence […]